Headline: Nigeria’s Broadcast Regulator Issues Stern Warning to Media Ahead of 2027 Election Campaigns
Dateline: ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a firm advisory to all broadcasters, online publishers, and digital content creators, cautioning them against the dissemination of misinformation, hate speech, and inflammatory material as the official campaign period for the 2027 general elections commences. The regulatory body emphasized that with the political season now underway, media practitioners bear a heightened responsibility to uphold accuracy, fairness, and professionalism in their reportage. The warning serves as a preemptive measure to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that media platforms are not utilized as conduits for content that could destabilize national peace.
In an official statement released by Moses Jolayemi, the Technical Adviser to the NBC Director-General, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, the Commission underscored the critical role media plays in shaping public perception. The NBC reminded radio and television stations that their platforms wield significant influence over the citizenry, particularly in guiding the choices voters make during elections. Consequently, the regulator charged broadcasters to ensure that all political coverage is balanced, equitable, and fair, explicitly prohibiting the use of airwaves to promote or suppress any political party, candidate, or viewpoint. The directive reinforces the Commission’s commitment to fostering a media environment that supports democratic principles through objective reporting.
The NBC’s advisory further delineated strict guidelines regarding the verification of information, mandating that broadcasters refrain from presenting unverified claims, statistics, or allegations as established facts. The statement specifically addressed the coverage of sensitive issues such as corruption, criminality, and electoral malpractice, insisting that such allegations must be subjected to rigorous editorial scrutiny before being aired. The Commission also reinforced the legal obligation to respect the right of reply, affirming that individuals or organizations who have been genuinely misrepresented must be afforded the opportunity to respond. This measure is designed to protect reputations and maintain a standard of accountability within the rapidly evolving information landscape.
Beyond the traditional broadcast sector, the NBC extended its caution to presenters, anchors, and talk show hosts, demanding a strict adherence to impartiality. The Commission warned against the presentation of personal political opinions as objective truth and prohibited the intimidation or harassment of guests during live or interactive programmes. Crucially, the NBC placed the onus of responsibility squarely on the broadcaster, clarifying that license holders remain accountable for all content disseminated, including material introduced by callers or panellists during unscripted segments. This comprehensive approach aims to eliminate bias and manipulation in political discourse, ensuring that discussions remain constructive and informative.
The Commission also addressed the financial and logistical aspects of political advertising, stating that it would closely monitor the allocation of airtime to ensure equal opportunity for all contestants. While acknowledging that airtime is a commercial product, the NBC stressed that editorial practices must not confer an unfair advantage on any candidate. Furthermore, all political advertisements must remain clearly distinguishable from news and editorial content, comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and meet standards of truth, decency, and good taste. The regulator explicitly prohibited the broadcasting of election results or projections from unofficial sources, such as exit polls, mandating that only figures announced by the duly authorized electoral officer be disseminated to the public.
Reiterating its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, the NBC announced that it will intensify its monitoring of political broadcasts throughout the campaign period, which officially begins on August 19, 2026, for presidential and national assembly races, and September 9, 2026, for governorship and state assembly elections. The monitoring will enforce the statutory cooling-off period, requiring all partisan broadcasts to cease at least 24 hours before polling day. The NBC concluded by urging all stakeholders in the information ecosystem—including online publishers, bloggers, and social media commentators—to view the electioneering period as a profound public responsibility rather than a mere commercial opportunity. It stated that the credibility of the electoral process is inextricably linked to the integrity of the information environment, and that ensuring a well-informed electorate is essential for protecting national cohesion and democratic governance.
